The Denver Broncos beat the Seattle Seahawks 17-14 in overtime on Thursday, October 15, 2026, but quarterback Bo Nix still faced criticism after a difficult night on offense. Former Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey defended Nix, saying the team deserved credit for winning despite its problems. Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick took a different view, questioning Nix’s effort and recent performances. Nix completed 17 of 27 passes for 107 yards without a touchdown, as Denver struggled to move the ball. Ja’Quan McMillian’s interception in overtime helped set up Wil Lutz’s winning field goal, taking the Broncos to 4-2 for the season.
Ed McCaffrey Says Bo Nix Deserves Credit for Broncos’ 4-2 Record
McCaffrey, who played for Denver from 1995 to 2003 and won three Super Bowls with the team, defended Nix in a post on X. He accepted that the quarterback and offense had struggled but argued that winning in the NFL should still count for something.
“Stop, just stop. Enough already. Apparently winning isn’t enough anymore. Bo Nix and the @Broncos weren’t perfect, but they still won the game. Winning in the NFL is hard. Enjoy it. #BroncosCountry,” McCaffrey wrote.
He also made it clear that questioning Nix’s playing decisions was different from questioning his desire to win.
“But questioning Bo’s heart and desire to win? That’s a different story,” McCaffrey added.
When another commenter questioned the situation, McCaffrey reminded fans that Denver still had a winning record.
“The grass isn’t always greener,” McCaffrey told another commenter. “And 4-2 ain’t bad.”
However, the numbers explain why concerns about Nix have continued. Through six games, he has completed 114 of 189 passes for 1,049 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. Denver also managed just 168 total yards against Seattle, making its victory largely a result of its defense stepping up when needed.
Ryan Fitzpatrick Questions Bo Nix’s Effort as Broncos Offense Struggles
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick offered a much harsher assessment of Nix. He questioned the young quarterback’s decisions, his passing game and the trust he appeared to have from head coach Sean Payton.
“It’s almost disrespectful to the quarterback position how he’s playing football right now,” Fitzpatrick said. “The guy doesn’t want to throw the ball, that’s fine. He’s throwing to the flats, he’s throwing behind, but he has no trust from his coach.”
Fitzpatrick also questioned whether Nix was showing the competitive drive expected from him, while acknowledging that an injury could be affecting his play.
“I can only imagine how Sean Payton feels,” Fitzpatrick said. “I mean, Sean Payton, (offensive coordinator) Davis Webb, everybody that blocks for (Nix). He’s not competing right now, and that’s something that he’s hung his hat on for the last two years. I don’t know if he’s still injured; I don’t know what’s going on. But it’s not good enough. It’s effort.”
Nix’s average of 5.6 yards per passing attempt this season is also below his 6.7 mark in 2024 and 6.4 in 2025. Denver has averaged 252.2 total yards per game across its first six outings, leaving Payton with clear offensive problems to address.